Price of Love

TER

TH

, and we decided to walk home together. It was a pleasant surpri

g of how much I enjoyed our time together. "I can't believe

arismatic. We would hav

right? I'm glad we've connected now, though. You're not so bad yourself!" We contin

eone had flipped a switch. The infectious energy that had filled our

," Sarah said, her voice suddenly serious. She grasped

stated solemnly, pointing to the other en

casual despite the unease building in my ch

. And I wanted to tell you about it, especially after you mentioned needing m

pear unbothered as I asked, "W

iana. I can make what the diner pays me in a week in

nd raced to process the shock. I felt a stra

ered, primarily due to my upbringing-my mother had alw

she could make, the reality that this

udgmental. After a heavy silence, I finally responded, "Look, Sarah, I'm not in a position

," she said quickly. "Just pretend I never mentioned it."

g as she hurried off down the busy stree

the dining chairs, likely waiting up for me. The sound of me micro

ou manage to bring home so much food?" Her surprise

," I explained. Mum's face lit up with warmth at the mention of Sara

he pay

only worry her. The pay barely scraped b

ied, trying to sound casual. I di

food in front of him. His groggy eyes fluttered open. "Hey, Dia

to project cheerfulness despite the tumultuous emotions stil

ed at me with those loving eyes, mouthing, "I'm proud of you." The warmth in

way to secure a better future for my

leeping in Mum's room for easier access in case he needed anythin

ly, the exhaustion of the day

to be at the diner until the afternoon. I spent the morning tidyin

ted by the sound of a ter

u

David propelling his wheelchair as quickly

ying: at least five SUVs were parked outside, and a group of men in su

grippe

s she desperately tried to stand. Confusion and fear coursed throug

more men stepped out, moving with an unset

hed my Mum with a chilling smile. "Mrs. Peterson, long

spered urgently, but she rema

with contempt. "Well, the boss sent us t

ng. "Please, I need more time," she be

. The woman I had always viewed as a pillar o

deeper trouble than I had ever imagined.

linting like a predator's. "Are these your kid

y mother pleaded, her voice breaking. "I

eaming down my face as I begged, "Please don't hurt

hissed, but I

heart to plummet. As he pressed it to my mother's forehead

s money, or else I'll kill your mum,"

s, one by one driving away, leaving me feeling hollow